Suspected Arsonist in New Fire; LA Mayor Faces Mounting Pressure Amid Crisis

Tonight, the destruction and damage across Southern California is staggering. The situation remains fluid, with several active fires posing immediate threats and forcing more of our neighbors from their homes.

A Crisis in Real-Time: Arson Suspect Detained

• There are currently 5 fires burning, including a newly erupted brushfire that threatened areas near West Hills. 

• There are evacuation warnings there tonight- and for a while, it did not look good for homes there, but man, firefighters saved the day again.

• Fox LA and Tim Conway, Junior from KFI radio both are reporting that the LAPD has detained a suspected arsonist in that fire.

• FOX LA is reporting the man is homeless.

New Information

Also tonight, major news has emerged from the White House. President Biden has pledged federal help for the next 6 months. The Administration said the funds would go toward:

• Debris removal

• Temporary shelters

• Salaries for first responders

• But will the FEDS pick up the cost-of-living expenses for displaced residents? That is unclear.

For now, communities are left grappling with immediate evacuation challenges, property loss, and fears of what to do next. For those impacted, you can start putting your information on this website- or call this number: 1-800-621 FEMA (3362).

Quick Catchup:

• More than 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, with at least 130,000 residents under evacuation orders tonight.

• Five fatalities have been confirmed, though officials warn the death toll will likely rise.

• These fires are poised to become the costliest wildfire disaster in California history, perhaps in US history.

• 20 looters have been arrested and warned others they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

• The Governor called up the National Guard this afternoon.

The Hardest-Hit Areas:

• The Palisades Fire: Responsible for destroying approximately 5,300 structures as it tore through Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and parts of Topanga Canyon.

• The Eaton Fire: An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in this inferno ravaging Altadena and Pasadena.

Los Angeles Mayor Bass Under Pressure

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing mounting pressure to explain the lack of preparation and slow response to the devastating wildfires. Today, a CBS News crew reported witnessing a neighborhood burn for hours during the Palisades Fire before a single fire engine arrived. They also questioned the mayor about her decision to leave for Africa, despite being aware of the impending firestorm threatening Los Angeles.

If you have a few minutes- watch Jonathan Vigliotti’s questioning of the Mayor and her response.

January 9:

There are countless images surfacing from media outlets and social media platforms that capture the devastating impact of the wildfires, but tonight we’re sharing a few that truly encapsulate the crisis.

One particularly gut-wrenching moment comes from the Palisades, where a woman confronted the Governor with the reality of her losses.